Combined pulpwood saw and loader



Nov. 15, 1960 Filed Oct. 15, 1958 J. H. O'QUINN COMBINED PULPWOOD SAWAND LOADER 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Jackson H. O'OU/hn 1N VEN TOR.

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Nov. 15, 1960 J. H. O'QUINN COMBINED puwwoov SAW AND LOADER 3Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 15, 1958 Jackson H. 00uinn 1N VEN TOR. A...4062 BY Nov. 15, 1960 J. H. O'QUINN 2,960,123 COMBINED PULPWOOD SAW ANDLOADER Filed Oct. 15, 1958 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Jackson H. O'Owhn 'INVENTOR.

BY yww vww COMBINED PULPWOOD SAW AND LOADER Jackson H. OQuinn, Rte. #3,Brunswick, Ga. Filed Oct. 15, 1958, Ser. No. 767,335

3 Claims. (Cl. 143-43) This invention relates in general to new anduseful improvements in logging equipment, and more specifically to acombined pulpwood saw and loader.

After the pine trees have been cut and trimmed for use as pulpwood, thelogs must then be cut to length in the vicinity of five feet after whichthey are transported to the pulpwood plant. At the present time it isthe practice to first move the logs to a position whereby they may becut by cut-off saws to the desired length. It is then necessary tofurther elevate the logs to load them on to sleds or trucks. It istherefore the primary object of this invention to provide a combinedpulpwood saw and loader which is so constructed whereby the logs may becut to the desired length and loaded in a single operation.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved combinedelevator and pulpwood saw, the elevator and pulpwood saw including anelongated elevator having mounting means which are of such a naturewhereby one end of the elevator may be disposed closely adjacent theground for receiving a log with a minimum of effort and with theopposite end thereof so elevated whereby it may be properly aligned witha sled or truck receiving a load of pulpwood so that the lengths ofpulpwood, when cut,v may be immediately positioned on a sled or othermeans of conveyance.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a combinationpulpwood saw and loader which includes an elevator having one enddisposed adjacent the ground for receiving a log and the opposite endthereof positioned with respect to a vehicle to be loaded, and therebeing provided a saw at the upper end of the elevator which may be usedin cutting off the logs to the desired length of pulpwood.

A further object of this invention is to provide a device forsimultaneously loading and cutting off pulpwood, the device including atrailer of the center well type, the trailer having a frame so mountedwith respect to the wheels thereof that when in position it may belowered relative to the Wheels so that the center Well may rest upon theground in a stabilized position, and there being mounted on the traileran elevator, which elevator is so mounted whereby one end thereof may bedisposed immediately adjacent the ground for receiving a log to beloaded, and the upper end thereof being positionable with respect to atruck or sled to be loaded whereby as the log advances up the elevatorand is cut to the desired length by a saw positioned at the upper end ofthe elevator, the cut length of pulpwood will immediately fall inposition on the sled or other type of transporting device.

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

Figure 1 is a side view of the combined pulpwood saw and loader which isthe subject of this invention and shows it in position for operation, astored position of the elevator thereof being shown in dotted lines;

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view taken through the trailer frameadjacent the elevator and shows the relationship of the elevator withrespect to the ground and a sled being loaded with pulpwood, a log beingillustrated advancing up the elevator to be cut into the desiredlengths;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the combined pulpwood saw and loader andshows further the specific details thereof;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary end view of the trailer taken in the directionindicated by the arrow 4 of Figure l and shows the manner in which thetrailer frame is mounted with respect to the wheels for verticalmovement whereby the trailer frame may be set directly upon the groundwhen the combined pulpwood saw and loader is in operation;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view taken along the line 5 of Figure 2 andshows the specific details of the cutoff saw, the cut-off saw beingshown in an inoperative position by dotted lines;

Figure 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantiallyupon the plane indicated by the section line 66 of Figure 2 and showsthe details of the means for raising and lowering the elevator;

Figure 7 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantiallyupon the plane indicated by the section line 7-7 of Figure 6 and showsfurther the details of the means for raising and lowering the elevator,the elevator being shown in a lowered position; and

Figure 8 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken transversely ofthe elevator and shows the specific details of the elevator and therelationship of a log with respect thereto.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, it will be seen that there areillustrated the details of the combined pulpwood cut-off saw and loaderwhich is referred to in general by the reference numeral 10. Thepulpwood saw and loader includes a trailer which is referred to ingeneral by the reference numeral 12. The trailer 12 is of the centerwell type and includes a central well portion 14 and elevated ends 16and 18. The end 18 is of a greater extent than the end 14. The end 18will have connected thereto suitable hitch means (not shown) tofacilitate the towing of the trailer 12.

The ends 16 and 18 are supported by wheel assemblies 20 and 22,respectively. Inasmuch as the Wheel assemblies 20 and 22 are identical,only the wheel assembly 20 will be described in detail. As is best shownin Figure 4, the wheel assembly 20 includes an axle 24 which has mountedon opposite ends thereof supporting Wheels 26. The axle 24- is securedto the end 16 of the trailer 12 by means of vertically extensille fluidjacks 28. When the pulpwood saw and loader 10 is in operation, the wellportion 14 is seated on the ground and thus the combined pulpwood sawand loader is provided with a stabilized base. However, in order thatthe pulpwood saw and loader 10 may be transported, it is necessary thatthe well portion 14 be elevated. This is accomplished by means of thevertically extensible jacks 28.

The well portion 14 of the trailer 12 is defined by a pair of spacedparallel frame rails 39. Slidably mounted on the frame rails 30 is aturntable assembly which is referred to in general by the referencenumeral 32. The turntable assembly 32 includes a bottom plate 34 whichis mounted for silding movement along the frame rails 30. The plate 34,as is best shown in Figure 7, has extending downwardly therefromsupports 36. The supports 36 are arranged in transversely spaced pairsadjacent opposite ends of the plate 34. Extending through each pair ofsupports 36 is a shaft 38 which has mounted on the opposite ends thereofrollers 40. The rollers 40 are seated in the frame rails 30 which are ofa channel configuration and which are in opposed relation. Thus theplate 34 is supported for guided movement longitudinally of the trailer14. Shifting of the plate 34 and the remainder of the turntable assembly32 is accomplished by means of an extensible fluid motor 42 which isbest shownin Figure 3.

The turntable assembly 32 also includes an upper support plate 44. Thesupport plate 44 is circular in outline and is seated on the plate 34.The two are connected together by a vertical pivot pin 46 to facilitatethe rotation of the plate 44 on the plate 34.

The pulpwood cut-off saw and loader also includes an elevator which isreferred to in general by the reference numeral 48 The elevator 48includes a pair of side trusses 50 and 52, as is best shown in Figures 3and 8. Theside trusses 50 and 52 are suitably connected together inspaced parallel relation in any desired manner. Extending across thelower end of the elevator 40 and rotatably journaled in the side trusses50 and 52 is a drive shaft 54. The drive shaft 54 is provided withsuitable sprockets 56-over which there is trained a pair of endlesschainsSS. The chains have their upper ends passed over sprockets 60which are mounted on an idler shaft 62 disposed at the upper end of theelevator 48 and supported by the side trusses 50 and 52, as is bestshown in-Fi gure 8.

The chains 58 are spaced apart a distance whereby a log, such as the log64 may be cradled therebetween. The log 64 rests upon the chains 58- andis supported thereby. Carried by the chains 58 at spaced intervals arelugs 66 for engaging the ends of logs, such as the log 64 to urge thelog 64 for movement with the chains 58.

In order that the chains 58 may be driven, extending outwardly from theside truss 50 of the elevator 48 is a platform 68. The platform 68 hasmounted thereon a power unit 70 preferably in the form of a smallinternal combustion engine. The internal combustion engine 70 drives adrive sprocket 72 which is aligned with a drive sprocket 74 on the driveshaft 54. Entrained over the sprockets 72 and 74 and drivinglyconnecting the two together is a drive chain 76.

In order that the logs may be urged onto the lower end' of the endlesschains 58, there is carried by a lower portion of the elevator 48 asupport bracket 78, see Figure 3, which is disposed adjacent theplatform 68. Mounted on the support bracket 78 is a winch 80 on whichthere is reeled a cable 82. The winch 80' overlies and is in alignmentwith the elevator 48. The winch 80 is driven by means of a drive chain84 extending from the drive shaft 54 to the winch 80.

In order that the log 64 being moved upwardly by means of the elevator48 may be cut to the desired lengths, there is mounted at the upper endof the elevator 54 a cut-off saw assembly which is referred to ingeneral by the reference numeral 86. The cut-off saw assembly 86includes a rigid support frame 88, see Figure 2, which is best shown inFigure 5 and which is rigidly secured to the upper end of the elevator48. The support frame 88 includes a shaft 90 which extends parallel tothe elevator 48 and which has mounted thereon for pivoting in a planenormal to the'axis of the elevator 48 a movable frame 92. The movableframe 92 carries a small power uni-t 94 preferably in the form of agasoline engine, which power unit 94 is connected to a circular sawblade 96 carried by the movable support frame 92 as at 98. The circularsaw blade 96 is driven from the power unit 94 by means of a drive chain100, as is best shown in Figure 3.

Normally the circular saw 96 is elevated above the elevator 48, as isshown in dotted lines in Figure 5. This permits a log, such as the log64 to pass therebeneath. At the proper time, the circular saw blade 96is moved downwardly transversely of the log 64 and the de ired length iscut therefrom. This movement is accomplished by means of a double actingextensible fluid motor 102 which extends between the rigid frame 88 andthe movable frame 92, as is best shown in Figure 3.

In order to obtain the maximum efficiency with the pulpwood cut-off sawand loader 10, it is necessary that the lower end of the elevator 48 bedisposed immediately adjacent or in engagement with the ground and thatthe upper. end thereof be properly positioned with respect to a suitabletransporting device, which transporting device is illustrated as a sled104 in Figure 2. In order to accomplish this, there is provided asuitable support assembly which is referred to in general by thereference numeral 106, see Figure 2. The support assembly 106 includes apair of upstanding supports 108 which are dis posed in opposed relationand are in the form of channels. Extending between the supports 108 is ashaft 110 which has mounted on opposite ends thereof rollers 112 whichare guidingly engaged in the support 108 for vertical movement. Theshaft 110 is also rigidly secured to the side trusses 50 and 52 of theelevator 48.

,Secured to the underside of the elevator 48 to the left of the supports108, as is viewed in Figure 7, by means of a pivotal connection 114 is alifting lever 116. The lifting lever 116 includes a generally upstandingleg 118 and a generally horizontal leg 128. Connected to the horizontalleg 120 remote from the elevator 48 is one end of an extensible fluidmotor 122. The opposite end of the extensible fluid motor 122 is securedto a shaft124 which is secured to and which extends between the supports108 below the elevator 48. Incidentally, the extensible fluid motor 122is connected to the members 118 by means of a transverse shaft 126 whichis best illustrated in Figure 6 and which has the ends thereofguidinglyengaged in horizontal guideways 128 carried by the plate 44.

When the extensible fluid motor 122 is retracted, the members 116 arepulled to the left, as viewed in Figure 7. Inasmuch as the right ends ofthe members 116 are restrained to movement in a horizontal path, theleft ends thereof move upwardly to swing the elevator 48 from thelowered position illustrated in Figure 7 to an elevated position such asthat illustrated in Figure 2.

It is intended that the lower end of the elevator 48 rest upon theground for receiving a log, such as the logs 64. The upper end of theelevator 48 will be so posidotted with respect to a sled or othertransporting device whereby as the pulpwood sections are cut from thelogs 64', they will drop in position on the sled. As the load ofpulpwood on the sled rises, it will be necessary to continuously elevatethe upper end of the elevator 48. This is accomplished by means of theextensible fluid motor 122.

Once the elevator 48 is properly positioned, a log, such as the log 64,is snaked onto the lower end thereof by means of the winch 80. Theendless chains 58 will then move the log upwardly towards the cut-offsaw assembly 86 and by means of suitable remote controls (not shown) thecut-off saw assembly 86 will be operated at the predetermined timeinterval to cut pulpwood sections of the desired length from the log 64.Inasmuch as the saw blade 96 engages the log 64 from the top, it will beseen that there is no binding of the log with the saw blade, and thatthe log section Will drop directly downwardly intoplace on the sled 104.

When it is desired to transport the pulpwood cut-off saw and loader to anew location, the elevator 48 is lowered to its lowermost positionillustrated in Figure 7. Then it is tilted to a horizontal position,such as that illustrated in dashed lines in Figure l and swung around sothat the opposite ends thereof rest upon the elevated ends 16 and 18 ofthe trailer 12. The elevator 48 may then be tied down in some suitablemanner. After this has been accomplished, the frame of the trailer 12 iselevated by means of the extensible fluid jacks 28. The combinedpulpwood cut-off saw and loader is then ready to be transported to thenew job site.

Inasmuch as the support for the elevator 48 not only includes aturntable assembly, but also means for shifting the turntable assemblylongitudinally of the trailer on which it is mounted, and since there isprovided means for selectively elevating and lowering the upper end ofthe elevator 48, it will be seen that the elevator 48 may be positionedas desired with respect to the job to obtain the maximum efiiciencytherewith.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention asclaimed.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. A combined pulpwood saw and loader comprising a supporting frame,support means carried by said supporting frame, an elevator having aportion intermediate its ends mounted on said support means with one endpositioned adjacent the ground for receiving a log, said support meansincluding means for vertically adjusting said intermediate portion andmeans for simultaneously adjusting the inclination of said elevator tomaintain the lower end thereof in fixed vertical elevation adjacent theground and a cut-off saw mounted at said elevator upper end for cuttinga log into the desired lengths as it is elevated by said elevator, saidsupporting frame being in the form of a center well type trailer havingraised ends for supporting said elevator ends for storage, said supportmeans including a turntable for effecting rotation of said elevator tothe desired operating position.

2. A combined pulpwood saw and loader comprising a supporting frame,support means carried by said supporting frame, an elevator having aportion intermediate its ends mounted on said support means with one endpositioned adjacent the ground for receiving a log, said support meansincluding means for vertically adjusting said intermediate portion andmeans for simultaneously adjusting the inclination of said elevator tomaintain the lower end thereof in fixed vertical elevation adjacent theground, and a cut-off saw mounted at said elevator upper end for cuttinga log into the desired lengths as it is elevated by said elevator, saidsupporting frame being in the form of a center well type trailer havingraised ends for supporting said elevator ends for storage, said supportmeans including a turntable for effecting rotation of said elevator tothe desired operating position, said support means engaging saidelevator in a central portion thereof and including a verticallyadjustable elevator support.

3. A combined pulpwood saw and loader comprising a supporting frame,support means carried by said supporting frame, an elevator having aportion intermediate its ends mounted on said support means with one endpositioned adjacent the ground for receiving a log, said support meansincluding means for vertically adjusting said intermediate portion andmeans for simultaneously adjusting the inclination of the elevator tomaintain the lower end thereof in fixed vertical elevation adjacent theground, and a cut-off saw mounted at said elevator upper end for cuttinga log into the desired lengths as it is elevated by said elevator, saidsupport means including a pair of upstanding guide supports disposed onopposite sides of said frame, means secured to opposite sides of saidelevator intermediate portion and engaged with said guide supports forguiding movement longitudinally thereof, said vertically adjusting meanscomprising motor means operatively connected between said supports andsaid elevator for effecting movement of said guide elements relative tosaid guide supports, said inclining means includes a lifting leverhaving one end slidably secured to said frame adjacent the lower end ofsaid elevator on one side of said supports for horizontal movementtoward and away from said guide supports and operatively connected tosaid motor means, the other end of said lifting lever being pivotallysecured to said elevator adjacent the upper end thereof spaced from andon the other side of said supports, whereby movement of said one end ofsaid lifting lever toward said supports will cooperate with said guidingconnections between said supports and said elevator to raise the upperend of the elevator a greater distance than the intermediate portion ofsaid elevator whereby the lower end thereof will remain in adjustedvertical position adjacent the ground, said motor means comprising anextensible motor pivotally secured at one end to said supports and atthe other end to said one end of said lifting lever.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS825,518 Cox- July 10, 1906 951,937 Bryan Mar, 15, 1910 1,489,753 FraleyApr. 8, 1924 1,835,376 Cherney Dec. 8, 1931 1,997,327 Warshaw Apr. 9,1935 2,002,605 Kincaid May 28, 1935 2,310,152 Ronning Feb. 2, 19432,572,347 Johnson Oct. 23, 1951 2,783,791 Link Mar. 5, 1957

